Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Cannibalism'
Howls from the Dark Ages: An Anthology of Medieval Horror by P.L. McMillan, Solomon Forse
2 reviews
readthesparrow's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A little bit about me. I took a lot of Old English courses in undergrad, Beowulf is one of my favorite works of literature ever, and I love, love, love illuminated manuscripts (my username is Liber Monstrorum, after the catalogue). I love monsters, and I love the different ways in which different cultures approach and interpret and place them. Yet most of the fiction (even the horror fiction) I've read previously based on medieval-era art and folklore are dry and boring and not fun at all. I went into this collection hopeful but prepared to be disappointed.
But this anthology. Y'all.
I devoured this all in one sitting. Was not expecting to, was bored and in a bit of a slump and figured I'd muddle my way through some of my Netgalley reads so I could petend to be productive.
But Y'ALL. The stories were interesting and fresh and fun. I was over the moon to see a story about a Blemmya and it actually being interesting. They're such funny little guys in concept but that illustration of the Blemmya clutching the illuminated frame of its illustration is one of the most terrifying things I have ever seen."The Fourth Scene" took that concept of imprisonment and breaking boundaries and did something new and cool with it. I genuinely did not expect the story to go where it did--the twist came out of left field and it was so well-executed.
I also really appreciated the diversity. So often medieval-inspired fiction only looks at or derives inspiration from extremely specific parts of the world (and even then, only specific parts of those specific parts). They forget that other parts of the world existed then, too, and that people traveled. And that queer people existed, not just in reality but in literature and folklore as well.
The quality of writing is exquisite. I had to force myself to slow down and actually read sections of "The Dark Quadrivium" because I was so eager to know what happened, and boy was I glad. The tenseness? The pacing? Avoiding spoilers here, because you (yes, you) should absolutely read it, but the imagery as the main character progressed is a masterclass in cosmic horror.
For those who love gore and guts and blood, there's plenty of that and it is gorgeous. Plenty of body horror, too. The scene at the end of "Deus Vult" was so, SO beautifully written. The final scene of "The Dark Quadrivium", are you kidding me? My favorite horror image areflesh churches and flesh portals, and the ones we get in "The Dark Quadrivium" are only of the highest quality cuts.
I'm used to having at least one or two short stories that I really just don't like in a collection, but I can't say that here. I do have some favorites, don't get me wrong, but as a whole there was not a single story I disliked.
Even if you aren't into medieval literature/folklore, this collection doesn't require you to know it. If you do, it does add to the experience--the realization of what "Brother Cornelius" was pulling from almost bowled me over because I wasn't expecting it and I had no clue why the author chose it but goddamn did he knock it out of the park--but the knowledge certainly isn't required for it.
Anyway, I'm off to look into joining the HOWL society. If they have taste this good in horror I simply have to join the book club ASAP.
But this anthology. Y'all.
I devoured this all in one sitting. Was not expecting to, was bored and in a bit of a slump and figured I'd muddle my way through some of my Netgalley reads so I could petend to be productive.
But Y'ALL. The stories were interesting and fresh and fun. I was over the moon to see a story about a Blemmya and it actually being interesting. They're such funny little guys in concept but that illustration of the Blemmya clutching the illuminated frame of its illustration is one of the most terrifying things I have ever seen."The Fourth Scene" took that concept of imprisonment and breaking boundaries and did something new and cool with it. I genuinely did not expect the story to go where it did--the twist came out of left field and it was so well-executed.
I also really appreciated the diversity. So often medieval-inspired fiction only looks at or derives inspiration from extremely specific parts of the world (and even then, only specific parts of those specific parts). They forget that other parts of the world existed then, too, and that people traveled. And that queer people existed, not just in reality but in literature and folklore as well.
The quality of writing is exquisite. I had to force myself to slow down and actually read sections of "The Dark Quadrivium" because I was so eager to know what happened, and boy was I glad. The tenseness? The pacing? Avoiding spoilers here, because you (yes, you) should absolutely read it, but the imagery as the main character progressed is a masterclass in cosmic horror.
For those who love gore and guts and blood, there's plenty of that and it is gorgeous. Plenty of body horror, too. The scene at the end of "Deus Vult" was so, SO beautifully written. The final scene of "The Dark Quadrivium", are you kidding me? My favorite horror image are
I'm used to having at least one or two short stories that I really just don't like in a collection, but I can't say that here. I do have some favorites, don't get me wrong, but as a whole there was not a single story I disliked.
Even if you aren't into medieval literature/folklore, this collection doesn't require you to know it. If you do, it does add to the experience--the realization of what "Brother Cornelius" was pulling from almost bowled me over because I wasn't expecting it and I had no clue why the author chose it but goddamn did he knock it out of the park--but the knowledge certainly isn't required for it.
Anyway, I'm off to look into joining the HOWL society. If they have taste this good in horror I simply have to join the book club ASAP.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Physical abuse, Murder, Grief, Death, Blood, Body horror, Animal death, Child death, Child abuse, War, Xenophobia, Torture, and Islamophobia
Moderate: Cannibalism, Colonisation, Gore, Torture, War, Confinement, Excrement, Genocide, and Sexual content
Minor: Vomit and Infertility
enchantressreads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Howls from the Dark Ages is a collection of 18 stories that surround one of my favorite periods of history, The Middle Ages. The stories in this book are diverse, queer, and frankly, very original. I don't think I've read any stories like the ones featured in Howls from the Dark Ages.
Some of my favorite stories include:
Some of my favorite stories include:
- Angelus by Philippa Evans
- Palette by J.L. Kiefer
- In Thrall to This Good Earth by Hailey Piper
- A Dowry for Your Hand by Michelle Tang
- The Lady of Leer Castle by Christopher O'Halloran
- Schizzare by Bridget D. Brave
- White Owl by Stevie Edwards
- A Dark Quadrivium by David Worn
There are all kinds of themes featured in these stories, including religion, warfare, Crusades, folklore, mushrooms (!!!), and sacred texts. Don't forget the butt trumpet.
There are many talented authors in this anthology, many I haven't read before. I can't wait to check out more of their work.
Thank you to Howl Society and Solomon Forse for sending me a copy of Howls from the Dark Ages for my honest review. This anthology releases on May 12th.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Animal death, Body horror, Cannibalism, and Sexual assault
More...